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The community conversation that is to take place on Wednesday, November 14 in the Enumclaw High School Commons should be of interest to all citizens, no matter the age. Suicide can touch every demographic and family. Discussing the symptoms and how to seek assistance, not only with professionals, but with family, your clergy and friends, whom ever you are comfortable approaching. The key is to recognize it and act. How does one identify someone in need? How do I start a conversation with that person to guide them towards assistance without driving them away? Many other questions can be formulated on the topic of suicide.

The hearts and lives of those left behind deal with thoughts and questions many times unanswered. Steps need to be made in reducing and eliminating this issue in our community. Talk, exchange ideas, identify causes and signs of one in need. Stop the heart break in our community, among friends and within our own families.

There’s no single cause for suicide. Suicide most often occurs when stressors and health issues converge to create an experience of hopelessness and despair that can exceed current coping abilities of someone suffering from a mental health condition. Depression is the most common condition associated with suicide, and it is often undiagnosed or untreated. Conditions like depression, anxiety and substance problems, especially when unaddressed, increase risk for suicide. Yet it’s important to note that most people who actively manage their mental health conditions go on to engage in life.

Something to look out for when concerned that a person may be suicidal is a change in behavior or the presence of entirely new behaviors. This is of sharpest concern if the new or changed behavior is related to a painful event, loss, or change. Most people who take their lives exhibit one or more warning signs, either through what they say or what they do.

Some warning signs, when someone talks about doing harm to themselves could be a change in behavior, mood of a person may change or exhibit s shift. A person’s health change can influence suicidal thoughts, personal events in one’s life. Even historical factors should be considered.

Let us have this community conversation on the 14th, but let it be the beginning of a longer discussion to improve the health and lives of all citizens.

The start of September begins the back-to-school process for many Enumclaw families. With the kids getting back into the routine of classes and studying, I wish to emphasize to all drivers to PLEASE be mindful of students walking to schools. It is imperative that we slowdown in school zones, keep to the speed limits and be watchful of the possibility of kids darting out into the street unexpectedly. Allow a few extra minutes this school year when leaving for work so as not to rush when driving. Patience is the one word that comes to mind so our community can avoid any mishaps or worse.

2019 Budget

The City of Enumclaw Council will begin Budget Workshops on October 8, with subsequent Workshops to be held on October 15, 22 and 29. Preceding two of these workshop meetings will be the City Council meetings on October 8 and the 22nd. The budget is officially released on October 1st.

Every year city staff begins the process of formulating their department’s financial needs at the beginning of July and completing the process by the middle of September. After which city administration reviews and adjusts the budget to its proposed appearance that is published on October 1st.Much thought and calculation is done to make sure that the citizens receive the service needed at the most efficient cost. Not every dollar asked is provided, though increases to a department are warranted.

Plan to attend one or all of the scheduled Budget Workshops and listen to what 2019 is shaping up to be in terms of your city.

Mark your calendars now for January 27, 2063. Yes 2063. That is the day and year when Enumclaw will celebrate its 150th anniversary being incorporated as a city in the State of Washington. To help commemorate this event a time capsule is being planned. It will be open to all citizens in the City of Enumclaw as well as students in K – 12. The theme of this time capsule is ‘What is it like to live in 2018.’ Any citizen may submit an item to be placed into the time capsule. It will be judged for its relevancy by members of the Enumclaw Plateau Historical Society (final participation by its members is still to be determined). Please keep in mind that the space of the time capsule is limited and large objects may not be able to fit into the capsule.

As for the students it is hoped that they will write on a postcard what it is like to be a student in 2018 and address it to themselves. We hope every student will have an interest to submit a postcard so in 45 years they can come back to the opening of the time capsule to re-read what they have written in 2018.

The expected timeline of events for this time capsule is the following;

September 1, 2018 – formal announcement to the community is made and items will begin to be accepted.

November 30, 2018 - Deadline to submit items.

December 31, 2018 – Final decision on all items to be included is made and make sure it all fits into the time capsule.

January 27, 2019 – Dedication of the Time Capsule to take place.

Items to be considered for the time capsule can be dropped off at the Enumclaw Museum starting on September 1st. the museum is located at 1837 Marion Street, Enumclaw, WA. It is open on Thursday and Sunday from 1 PM to 4 PM. Items can also be dropped off at City Hall in the Administration offices. Address is 1339 Griffin Ave., Enumclaw, WA. City Hall is open Monday – Friday 9 AM to 5 PM.

Keep in mind that items being dropped off for consideration into the time capsule may not be returned to the owner. So please consider this when submitting items.

This can be a rewarding and a great learning event to have children of all ages participate. After all they will be in attendance when this time capsule is opened. So begin now to think of what you or your organization may wish to submit. Before we know it, January 27, 2019 will be here and the time capsule will be sealed for 44 years.

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The City of Enumclaw will provide municipal services to our citizens in an effective and responsible manner, preserving the community’s well-being, respecting the dignity of our citizens, and promoting excellence in public service.